Prairie Passion (Cowboys of The Flint Hills #2)

by Tessa Layne

  “Yes?”

  “I boss in the kitchen.”

  “You can boss anywhere you like, darlin’.”

  EPILOGUE

  A week later…

  Jamey adjusted her sunglasses and settled deeper into the warmth of Brodie’s lap. They were all gathered on the back porch of the Big House, overlooking the grounds where Blake and Maddie had held their reception. The late afternoon sun cast everything in a golden light. But there was a definite bite in the air.

  Ben and Cameron crouched over a flame in the fire pit, working to bring it to life. Jamey’s brothers had shown themselves to be surprisingly adept on horseback this week. The round-up had gone off without a hitch and without injury. Of course, with four firemen on hand – three of her brothers plus Maddie’s cousin, Parker, they were more than equipped to handle any mishap.

  Jamey sipped her gluten-reduced beer and silently offered up a prayer of thanks. Bison were not domesticated and they made cattle look small. And tame. She’d worried all week, especially because she’d been banned from the chuck wagon.

  Next year.

  Next year, she’d try her hand at cooking on the go.

  Not much difference between a chuckwagon and a food truck. If she liked it, maybe they could add a food truck to their growing list of income streams.

  Brodie’s hand draped possessively across her hip and he nuzzled her neck. “Why don’t we get married tomorrow?”

  She choked on her beer. “But we’ve only been engaged a week.”

  “So?”

  She gave him a big side-eye. “No. Way.”

  Maddie came through the door with a plate piled high with chips, salsa, and guacamole. “No way what?”

  “I was just telling Jamey we should get married tomorrow.”

  Maddie rolled her eyes. “No way.”

  A note of petulance entered Brodie’s voice. “Why not? Why wait?”

  “Take it from the married man,” Blake chimed in. “Let your lady make the date and the plans. Just get yourself to the church on time.”

  Jarrod munched on a chip thoughtfully. “Makes no difference to us, sis.” He winked at Brodie. “We’ve already taken Brodie out back and officially welcomed him to the family.”

  A wave of alarm washed over her, and she grabbed Brodie’s chin, inspecting his face for any signs of bruises. “I swear Jarrod, if any of you hurt him…”

  She was cut off by her brother’s laughter.

  “Nothing that sinister,” Jon Paul interjected. “We just took him out back for a good Irish welcome.”

  Brodie’s breath was warm on her ear, sending a little shiver of delight down her spine. “Nothing more than a few shots of Irish whiskey. They tried to get me to quit scotch.”

  “Did you?”

  He lifted a shoulder, and grinned. “Nope. Nothing will make me give up peat. But your brothers did show me how you like a hot whiskey in winter.”

  “They always did know how to take care of me.”

  “That’s my job now,” he growled low and nuzzled her neck.

  “So Jamey, when do you want to get married?” Maddie asked.

  “To be honest, I haven’t given it much thought. I just have two requirements. I want mom and pop to be here, and I want to look pretty. Not like I just stepped out of a war zone.”

  Brodie tilted her chin. “You are beautiful. Right now.”

  Heat ignited in her chest. “I can see in the mirror.”

  “Jamey.” His voice grew firm. “You’re beautiful. Right now.” He didn’t bother to hide the desire in his eyes.

  Maddie’s cousin, Axel, reached for a beer from the ice bucket. “If you’re not too tied to a date, I know Hope would love to be here. She’s moving back in a few weeks.”

  Maddie gasped. “She is? But why? Isn’t she finishing veterinary school?”

  Axel’s face was inscrutable. “It’s her story to tell. But given that we could use her expertise, I’m not complaining.”

  Ben scowled and stabbed the fire with a stick, sending a shot of sparks into the air. Jamey narrowed her eyes, studying him. “What’s up Ben? You look like you swallowed a ghost pepper.”

  Ben’s scowl deepened. “Nothin’… Just…” He shook his head. “Nothin’.”

  Maddie brightened and rubbed her swelling belly. “What about Christmas? Baby should be here in early January, so there will still be time.”

  Jarrod perked up. “And that’s a slow time of year for pretty much everything.”

  Brodie hummed and stroked her back. “I don’t think we’re booked yet, so we could block off the rooms and the homestead for your family.

  “You could take a honeymoon right after you meet your little niece.” Maddie’s eyes danced.

  “Or nephew,” Blake added, giving Maddie’s belly a proud caress. He bent and spoke to her belly. “I already have a pair of boots for you.”

  Maddie elbowed him. “Girls can wear boots, too. Look at Jamey’s.”

  She kicked up her feet, admiring for the millionth time the lovely pair of boots Brodie had given her. She leaned in and whispered in his hear. “I do love them, you know.”

  He answered with a squeeze. She shifted on his lap, settling herself so she could see his eyes in the dying light. “I’ve never been one of those types who fantasized about getting married, but I do love Christmas.”

  “Yeah?”

  She nodded, brushing her lips across his.

  “So you want to get married at Christmas?”

  Excitement thrummed in her veins. Was she really going to do this? Settle down in Prairie down the dirt road from her best friend and help run a hunting lodge? “Why not? That will give us plenty of time to make arrangements. I just have one small request.”

  He stroked his thumb down her jaw. “Anything.”

  “My parents… they’re… devout. They’d never presume to ask or demand… but would you mind a church wedding?” She rushed on before he could answer. “If you’re not Catholic, I’m sure we could go to the–”

  He stopped her talking with a light kiss. “My sister Emma would know for sure, but I think we were all baptized. Original family name being St. Claire and all. We can sort out the details tomorrow.”

  Maddie had mentioned at some point that the Sinclaires were descended from French fur trappers. That would make sense.

  Brodie tightened his grip around her and stood them both up. “It’s set. A Christmas wedding.”

  Their friends erupted in applause.

  Warmth settled in her chest, the kind of warmth that came from sheer happiness. She understood now why Maddie had moved home to Prairie. In all her travels, all her adventures, she’d never felt the pull of community like here.

  She looped her hands around Brodie’s neck. “I’m the luckiest woman alive.”

  Uncertainty flickered in his eyes. “You really want to marry me?”

  She leaned her forehead to his. “Nobody else, you great lump. You put my granny’s magic ring on my finger. You’re stuck with me.”

  Love blazed in his eyes. “Forever?”

  “Forever.”

  “Promise?”

  She leaned in for a kiss. “’Till death do us part.”

  THE BEGINNING OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER

  Did you like this book? Please leave a review! Independent authors rely on reviews and word of mouth. If you enjoyed this book, please spread the word!

  Want more?

  Receive Notifications for Upcoming Releases

  PRAIRIE DESIRE – Ben Sinclaire & Hope Hansen (On Sale April 2017)

  What’s a guy to do when the girl of his dreams makes a pass at him?

  Saying no to Hope Hansen was the hardest thing Ben Sinclaire has ever done. Despite the fact that he’s loved her since grade school, between their age difference and a family feud, a romance between them was forbidden. But now she’s back and the girl he loved has become all woman. He’s finally ready to make his move, but he’ll have to get around her brothers and a field
of admirers to do it.

  What’s a girl to do when faced with the worst mistake from her past?

  Eight years ago, Hope took a chance on Ben and got shot down. Heart broken and mortified, she left town. A traumatic brain injury foils her plan to avoid him forever by forcing her to come home to Prairie. When her brothers meddle in her love life by placing a Cowboy Wanted ad for her in the back of Rancher’s Monthly, Ben becomes her unlikely ally. As all her feelings come crashing back, Hope isn’t sure if she can trust him… or herself

  Cowboy Wanted: True Love Awaits

  Ben comes up with a daring plan to win Hope, but when ice storms, weddings, and babies interfere, will it backfire? Or will Hope realize that true love has been waiting right under her nose the whole time?

  Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates and release information for Prairie Passion and the rest of the Cowboys of the Flint Hills Series.

  Join my reader group on Facebook – The Prairie Posse this is where I post my sneak peeks, offer giveaways, and share hot cowboy pics!

  MORE BOOKS IN THE COWBOYS OF THE FLINT HILLS SERIES

  PRAIRIE HEAT – Blake Sinclaire & Maddie Hansen (On Sale Now!)

  PRAIRIE DESIRE – Ben Sinclaire & Hope Hansen (coming in April 27 2017)

  PRAIRIE STORM – Axel Hansen & Haley Cooper (coming in June 2017)

  PRAIRIE OBSESSION – Travis Kincaid & Elaine Ryder (coming in 2017)

  PRAIRIE FIRE – Parker Hansen & Cassidy Grace (coming in 2017)

  PRAIRIE FEVER – Gunnar Hansen & Suzannah Winslow (coming in 2018)

  PRAIRIE ECSTACY – Colton Kincaid & Lydia Grace (coming in 2018)

  PRAIRIE LUST – Jarrod O’Neill & Lexi Grace (coming in 2018)

  PRAIRIE REDEMPTION – Cody Hansen & Carolina Grace (coming in 2018)

  Resources

  Dyslexia

  The challenges Brodie and Jamey confront in this book are near and dear to my heart. One in five people have dyslexia, and if someone in your family is dyslexic, there’s a higher chance that your children will be dyslexic.

  One of my daughters is dyslexic, and even though I was on the look out for it, like most parents, we didn’t discover this until she was in the fourth grade. She only confessed years later that she knew she couldn’t read, and that she was too embarrassed to tell us. Talk about breaking a mama’s heart! Often, people with dyslexia grow up with the idea that they are dumb. Incapable of learning. That’s just flat wrong, and my heart breaks every time I hear a dyslexic person refer to themselves as stupid. Any person with dyslexia can learn to read.

  The Orton-Gillingham method is the ONLY scientifically proven method shown to dramatically improve reading outcomes in individuals with dyslexia – even adults who’ve never learned to read.

  Susan Barton is one of the world’s premier experts on dyslexia.

  Celiac Disease

  I was diagnosed with celiac disease nearly twenty years ago – back when people looked at you like you had three heads when you mentioned ‘gluten’. I’m also a self-professed food snob. Sometimes having celiac is a real bummer. I’ll never get to enjoy a croissant with my coffee ever again. Or a buttery piece of sourdough bread. But I feel so much better without gluten in my life, that I’m motivated to stay clean (and yes, cross-contamination is real, and it hurts)

  However, gluten-free baking has come a long way since the late 90’s and there are many delicious pastry options on the market today, as well as some fantastic blogs!

  If you have questions about gluten intolerance, visit the following sites – these are the two most comprehensive, reliable sites regarding celiac disease.

  www.csaceliacs.org

  celiac.org

  Acknowledgements

  I am profoundly grateful to be surrounded by a team of kind hearted, intelligent, and fearless humans. Thank you all for your continued encouragement and support. These books could not come to life without you.

  Amanda at Razzle Dazzle Designs – you’ve captured Brodie’s strength and personality so perfectly on this cover. Thank you for your beautiful artistry.

  To the RDs and my Chatzy ladies – Thank you for the daily laughs and encouragement. You make writing a joy.

  To my mentor Kimberley Troutte – Thank you for your fearless critiques of my manuscripts, for always encouraging me, and challenging me to make my characters sing! I am so grateful for your presence in my life!

  To Genevieve Turner and Sela Carson– Thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedules to offer your expertise and feedback. You have helped make this book shine. I admire and appreciate you both!

  To Jenny and Kara – Your collective brainstorming and critiques have made Brodie and Jamey’s love story epic. Thank you for the wine, the extra chapters, and always making time to read something I send you. Love you both.

  To my dear Cora Seton – Thank you for everything You’re an inspiration on so many levels.

  To my big girl – Never doubt for one millisecond that you are brilliant. You have such grace and intelligence. You are a gift to the world, creative spelling and all.

  To my little girl – My book dragon, keep filling your head and your heart with words.

  To my hero, Mr. Cowboy – When I got diagnosed with celiac a month after we got married, you never blinked, never once said you wouldn’t eat what I had to eat. You’ve enthusiastically tried every dish I’ve made without complaint, even the few that were pretty scary. I love how excited you get on those occasions we get to share a Rickoli beer. Thank you for making sure I’m never on this food adventure solo. I love you madly.

  I’d also like to give a shout out to my FAVORITE brewery ever. Brewery Rickoli in Wheatridge, Colorado. These guys brew great beer, and put the gluten-reducing enzymes in EVERYTHING That means this Guinness loving girl can drink dark beer again!! Thank you for being a million kinds of awesome!